just diagnosed with DCIS

Hi Debbie,

I'm sorry for the reason you find yourself here but as you've probably already learned, it's a great place for support, encouragement and information. I was DX'd with DCIS 12/2017 And ultimately ended up with BMX. Its a very personal choice whether to have LX or BMX. There's no right/wrong choice, so I don't see it as overkill, just what is right for you. I actually went to tumor board for second opinion, (although same hospital network so not sure how much of a second opinion it really was) but by that point had already made my decision, as I was the one that would have to live with it. My nurse navigator said Drs always suggest least invasive procedure but choice is always yours.

I also am small breasted, for me, the sterotactic biopsy left a pretty good hematoma in my breast. You could be feeling some fluid build-up from the procedure, I think that can be common. I'm sure others will be along to give input.

As for the friends, it's hard. Some of the support I "knew" I could count on from closest friends didn't happen. I'm not sure if it's just uncomfortable for them or what. It was disappointing but there was support from others. But being completely honest, the place of most encouragement, support (apart from family) and comradery came from this site, from those walking through the same things, because we all get it.

I hope your meeting with your BS goes well Tuesday. Keep us updated and if you have any questions feel free to PM me. Wishing you the very best and sending you hugs.

Hi Deb,

Sorry that you find yourself here but this is a knowledgeable safe place. You will receive support here. I didn't have DCIS but someone who has will chime in shorty. I can say my sister did and she is doing well. She had only the problem breast removed and opted for reconstruction. It was the best decision for her as we all have to decide what works best for us personally. DCIS is highly treatable and usually staged at 0– which of course is good. She did get second opinions as did I. It's often recommended. However, if your gut tells you that the team you have met so far makes you feel completely confident then it may be the way to go. It's a personal decision but second opinions are highly recommended. As I said she's is doing well. She's is 55 and 2 years out from her diagnosis. I'm in the middle of treatment. My cancer while early stage required more treatment since it was an aggressive form of IDC. My sister is smaller on top then me. I was able to have a lumpectomy. My cancer was also smaller than hers ... again smaller means nothing if it's more aggressive. Hence my going through preventative chemo right now.... something that DCIS also usually frees you from

Being the youngest I always seem to do everything extra extra than my sisters....even with my cancer. That's my attempt at a joke by the way.

Hang in there. You will get through this and you will be okay! Oh and my sister who had DCIS has twins 22 years of age (boy and a girl) and a son 25 years of age. She's back to her life. She and her husband just came back from Paris and Ireland. Just sharing that to say she didn't know if she would get through things but now she is back to living her life.

Best wishes... just remember to breathe and you will see your way through. You already sound as if you had an idea about what you want and how to move forward, which is a good start.

Take care

G

PS- lawyers are fine by me. I worked for a law firm briefly when I was in between art jobs, and the partners were all really wonderful towards me. I also learned to drink whisky from them... a while other story. Lol

Hi Debbi,

I'm so sorry this has been thrown upon you. I was 64 when I got my dx. My dear mother and all of her sisters had some form of BC in their lives. I truly felt I had come to the age that I didn't have to worry about it. I was just going along enjoying the fact that I had purposely lost about 40 lbs and was feeling so good about myself. Bam, BC stole all my joy. I couldn't think of anything else. As far as friends go, I think they just don't know what to say or maybe don't want to hear it. Maybe it reminds them it could happen to them. Who knows. I hope someone calls you soon but if not, these nice ladies are here for you. As of having your breast removed, I don't blame you. My Mother did the same and never looked back. She lived to me 84 and BC did not cause her death. I believe in my heart you will be fine. If I could hug you from behind this screen, I would. Keep us posted.

Love,

Brenda

Hi Deb,

Welcome but sorry you find yourself here. I had the option of a lumpectomy. I chose a double mastectomy. I could not think about endurin 6mth surveillance. I'd be waiting for the other shoe to drop again. You go with your gut. I had a breast surgeon already from years of benign issues so when I got the diagnosis, I pretty much told her what I was going to do. I had small, dense breasts. From previous biopsies I lost mass in my breast so had I opted for a lumpectomy I would have had some seriously weird looking boobs or would have had to had them reconstruct it. So I just had both removed and did implants.

Sorry about your friends. It may be they just don't know what to say if they called and you said it was positive. It's true, it rattles people and they don't know how to react.

Hi Debbie,

You've found the right place for support and answers that sometime is hard to find in our real life. I'm really sorry about your friends but illness will reveal the true nature of people around you.

Concerning second opinion, is it for the surgery? You've received already some great answers from members and a very important truth - it's such a personal choice and nobody can make it for you, only yourself. If I may recommend, on the DCIS board there is a great thread discussing lumpectomies vs mastectomies and the questions you can ask yourself to confirm your decision: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topics... I would recommend you to read Beesie's post in particular on the first page, she raises many interesting points.

Hugs and wish you the best.